Rin-ne Tensho 輪廻転生

– n. the cycles of reincarnation

rin-ne: circle, a wheel revolving, an endless cycle

tensho: transmigration of life, birth, death

From Japanese Buddhism

“ The pots show accumulation. The plates have thick layers of slip, creating big cracks; where it’s thinly applied the cracks are finer, you see more green and you can see things growing. This is accumulation. The Moon Jar is also about many things accumulated, growing… the very quiet ones too. When the accumulation gets too much, it comes off. It’s the natural cycle. It’s circulating. That is Rin-ne Tensho, reincarnation. ”

Akiko Hirai

For our Summer Show, Akiko Hirai returns with a solo exhibition of new work. Creating this exhibition, Akiko was deeply inspired by her daily walking commute to the studio - noticing the change of seasons, the rain and greenery. Her abstract surfaces capture this gentle seasonality: she explains how, “it comes naturally, with handmade things they reflect what you see.” This new collection therefore speaks to brighter days and a sense of growth.

Akiko Hirai has shown with Flow Gallery for over 15 years, and so we are delighted to be hosting this solo exhibition during our 25th anniversary celebrations. In that time, Akiko has become widely recognised as one of Britain’s most dynamic contemporary potters. Her carved, highly textural vessels are instantly recognisable: working typically with dark clay and light glazes, Akiko plays with contrast and surface. The result is work that seems to effortlessly combine energy and stillness. Akiko’s pieces are created with rhythmic speed. She avoids mechanical regularity in favour of organic vitality, giving each piece – be it functional or sculptural – a sense of life.

Our Online Exhibition is now open.